Spelling in Spanish Heritage Language Education

"Spelling acquisition and development has been identified as a major obstacle for Spanish Heritage Language Learners (SHLLs). Instructors, too, struggle to find the best strategies to help their students internalize orthographic rules. Llombart argues that spelling is not simply the "cherry on top" of good writing or a mere editing issue; rather, the skills behind the acquisition of spelling lie beneath literacy development in general. The skill helps to improve other crucial literacy aspects, such as reading fluency, reading comprehension, and vocabulary growth. Written for instructors of SHLLs and researchers of SHL education, this book demonstrates why and how to address this critical skill, including the cognitive skills underlying spelling, the role of age and bilingualism, and a thorough description of the different types of spelling errors students make and their causes. In addition, instructors will find guidelines, recommendations, and ideas for creating spelling activities and meaningfully integrating them into their curricula. Combining novel research and practical strategies, Spelling in Spanish Heritage Language Education will be a valuable addition to Spanish instructors‘ and researchers‘ bookshelves"--